Carol A. Hand
Recently, I have been thinking about the changing seasons of life and how “there is a time to every purpose…”
I thought about the evolving ways I have attempted to address inequality and it led me to post a series of installments of an essay that I realize is not necessarily popular in the blogging world. The following bio that was shared in Stories from my Teachers describes some of the context and content for some of these changes in my life.
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Am I Catfish Clan or Eagle Clan?
This is a question I may never be able to answer definitively. My mother was Ojibwe, born and raised on the Lac du Flambeau reservation in the north of what is now Wisconsin, and my father was descended from English immigrants, the second generation to be born in the U.S. Because my mother was raised by her aunt and spent pivotal childhood years in a Catholic boarding school, she was denied access to her father who could have answered this question for her. She never mentioned this topic until her later years, when she took me to an Ojibwe elder who had documents pertaining to my ancestry.
Over the years since that conversation, I have pondered the meaning of clan membership and done a little research in my spare time. The question is significant, not because I believe that our life path is set by our birth in a certain time, place, culture or clan, but because the question itself is a reminder to periodically reflect on the directions our life takes and what our actions say about who we really are.
I have realized that the distinction between the Catfish Clan, the scholars, and the Eagle Clan, leaders whose fathers were not Ojibwe, has been a central tension during my life. By nature, I am a scholar who prefers to stand on the margins “to watch, listen and consider” so my deeds will be prudent, a tenet of the Ojibwe Midewewin Code or path of life. My life’s path provided me with opportunities to develop those propensities through education and employment. Yet growing up between cultures and becoming increasingly aware of past and continuing colonial oppression, made me feel that standing on the sidelines without action was profoundly unethical. Even as a little child, I felt a sense of responsibility for those who were oppressed. During my career I took on leadership and advocacy roles that were extremely uncomfortable for an introverted scholar without the support of a clan structure to guide the way. My light skin tone, education, and ability to communicate across cultures were gifts that I felt obligated to use on behalf of others whose lives were not as privileged as mine.
Because leadership positions are almost always nested within colonial structures of individualistic competition and socially-constructed status distinctions, they have proven dangerous for me on many levels. Even though power is an illusion, it is seductive. It’s easy to lose the clarity of one’s perspective, values, and purpose, to believe that one is special and somehow superior, to forget what is really important in life. It also invites understandable reprisal from people who feel belittled, and the response is sometimes virulently destructive on professional and personal levels.
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Although I have offered to support others develop community initiatives, I don’t feel it’s right for me to take the lead. I’m relatively new in the community where I now live. Although the socio-economic class and ancestry divisions are apparent in the community, I know it’s important for me to take the time to understand how I can best use my time and skills effectively. So for now, I am busy in my garden, sharing rhubarb with neighbors, and sharing posts that I hope will be of interest to others and stimulate dialogue.
This is a season where I am able to honor my (maybe) catfish clan inclinations.
I am also grateful to be a member of such a diverse and gifted blogging community. Chi miigwetch to all.
Copyright Notice: © Carol A. Hand and carolahand, 2013-2016. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Carol A. Hand and carolahand with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
I for one, did appreciate your essay. And oh how I love rhubarb strawberry pie — just thought I’d mention that, catfish.
And to you, Chi miigwetch.
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Dear Peter, it’s always good to hear from you 🙂
Thank you for your thoughtful, encouraging words, and for sharing your wonderful sense of humor.
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Thoughtful, engaging and humanist, as always, Carol.
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Thank you for your kind words, Sean. I appreciate your thoughtful feedback.
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Your “Differential Power and Indian Child Welfare” series is outstanding, Carol. I’ve found I can never predict which articles will be more well received than others. There is always a time for your powerful writings not to mention your gardening and rhubarb!
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Your thoughtful comments mean a great deal to me, Jeff. Chi miigwetch 🙂
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Excellent account and I really enjoyed reading your insights with regard to the Catfish Clan and the Eagle Clans… Plus his one is such a powerful and ready witted quote, dear Carol: Even though power is an illusion, it is seductive… All my best wishes, Aquileana 😀
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Dear Amalia, I am always grateful for your kind and thoughtful comments. Thank you 🙂
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After a three week holiday hiatus that has my head spinning there is so much to catch up on. This series of yours is one on which I will surely follow up. Chi miigwetch, Carol.
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I hope you had a wonderful holiday, Bob. I appreciate your kind and thoughtful words 🙂
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grateful for your food
for the heart, mind & soul 🙂
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And I am grateful for your kind and mindful comments and posts, David. Thank you 🙂
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The Maori word for clan is hapu, and the hapu here in Taranaki hold regular meetings to ensure their distinct interests are represented in iwi (tribe) negotiations with the government. I find in really fascinating to observe this kind of direct democracy in action. It makes me quite sad to reflect that this clan structure has pretty much died out in the US. It would provide an excellent model for activists seeking to replace representative democracy with true grassroots direct democracy.
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Such an important example of a more inclusive, representative way to coordinate community decision making. The Maori system sounds very similar to the Ojibwe practice in the past. The imposition of the US system of 50/50 politics has proven to be extremely divisive. The most tragic part is the loss of the view of leadership as a responsibility for the well-being and survival of the community rather than a competitive individual status.
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It’s important to remember that the work of the scholar, the thinker, the reflector, the writer remains after many an activist “leader” is long forgotten. Also these words, these thoughts often serve as the grounded foundation for change that is positive and lasting.
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I so appreciate your profound and eloquently stated insights, Skywalker. Chi miigwetch ❤
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Your thoughts are always welcomed and engaging Carol. And although I am absent a lot, I thank you for helping me to feel like I am part of this community.
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It’s so good to hear from you, Joan! I’m sure you have been busy with all of the exciting developments with your advocacy work. I am grateful that you are part of this community, and thankful for your kindness.
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Beautiful reflection, Carol. You give your readers so much to ponder and your words are always enhanced by the photos you choose. Loved listening to Turn, Turn, Turn! as I read.
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Dear Susan, thank you for your kind words. And I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed the song 🙂
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Reblogged this on Dolphin.
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Thank you for sharing this post, Dolphin.
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